Consider Adoption - Adopt, Don't Shop!

Looking for a special addition to your animal family? Consider the journey of adoption. Whether farm animals are dear to your heart or majestic horses are your fancy, Happy Trails has many animals of all shapes, sizes, colors, ages and riding levels. Follow the steps below to arrive at your Happy Ending!

Step 1 Review all adoption protocol and FAQs Happy Trails receives many questions on a daily basis. Reviewing all supplied information can often answer your questions and speed up your adoption process.

Step 2 Complete and submit an adoption application. This tells us about your experience, your references, your veterinarian information and about your facility, shelter and pasture area, etc. This will be reviewed by our Placement Coordinator.

Step 3 Schedule a Farm Safety Evaluation. The Placement Coordinator will visit your facility to see the home that you will provide for your new pet. A safety check list will be completed to assure appropriate shelter, fencing and a safe exercise/turnout area available.

Step 4 Choose your companion. When your facility is approved, our Placement Coordinator will set up a time to visit the sanctuary to help you select an animal suited for your wants, needs and facility (a select few of our animals are currently in foster homes).

Step 5Complete the Adoption! Arrangements will be made for you to take your adopted pet home. The adoption fee is submitted at this time and an animal adoption contract is reviewed and signed together with the Placement Coordinator. You may have a two week trial period to get to know your new pet, and for the animal to get to know you and the other animals in your family. During this time you may return the animal for a complete refund of your adoption fee, provided all reasonable efforts have been exhausted to address any problems that arise. We are not able to set up “payments” nor can we offer refunds at any time after the two week trial period.

*NOTE: An animal adopted through Happy Trails may not be sold or re-homed for the first two years of adoption. After which, an animal may be re-homed but will always be welcome to return to Happy Trails for any reason.

Animal Adoption FAQs

Can I choose the animal?
During your farm safety check, there will be an opportunity to have an at length discussion regarding your goals and needs. From this discussion, a list of appropriate candidates will be presented from which you may choose.

If the adoption does not work out, can I sell the animal?An animal may not be removed or relocated from the adopter’s custody for the first two years. You may 1) return the animal to Happy Trails or 2) work with a Happy Trails representative to approve a new home.

Are adoption fees negotiable?
No. We keep our adoption fees low and reasonable. It is the concern of Happy Trails that if an adoption fee is not affordable, proper veterinary care or emergent medical needs may not be afforded.

Why must my adopted animal have a companion?
All farm animals and horses naturally flourish in a herd or flock. It is beneficial to the long-term health and happiness of any animal to have a companion.

I don’t have my own property, is boarding an option?Yes. A boarding facility will be considered. The barn manager must be willing to adhere to Happy Trials adoption requirements. Adopted horses will come current on shots, worming and teeth float. Any additional requirements of the boarding facility will be the responsibility of the adopter i.e. Coggins, health certificate.

Do you adopt out of state?Yes. However, Happy Trails cannot be responsible for transportation, health certificates or other requirements to cross state lines.

Do you deliver?
No. It is the responsibility of the adopter to provide transportation for their adopted animal. Operating on a small staff and volunteers we do not have the manpower to transport.

Will Happy Trails hold an animal until I am ready to adopt?
No. Although we understand circumstances may postpone adoption plans, our first priority is to provide each animal with a forever home. Happy Trails animals are not adopted on a first come first serve basis, instead they are adopted into a home providing the best fit for both animal and human. All applications submitted are considered.

Can I meet the animals available for adoption first? Do I need an appointment?Happy Trails requires that an adoption application be submitted before meeting the animals. Our primary reasoning is 1) to check references due to our involvement in high profile court cases; 2) not all of our animals are on property and may require a trip to foster homes; 3) Happy Trails works with a limited staff and appointments are required as the daily care of our animals is our priority.

Are the horses registered? Can I get their papers?No. All of the animals rescued by Happy Trails are seized with law enforcement involvement. Previous owners most often do not provide paperwork or vet records when the animals are seized.

Is barbed wire an approved fencing?Happy Trails may consider placement at a facility with barbed wire. This will be on a case-by-case basis.

I only have a run in with no stalls, is that OK?A property with only a run-in shelter may be approved. However, you must be able to provide confinement in cases of illness or injury.

I really want a teacup/mini-pig, do you have pot belly pigs under 60 lbs?Unfortunately, this is a misconception. Although pigs can be bred to be on the small side, there is no guarantee as to size and there is no such thing as a ‘mini’ pig. Provided with the proper veterinary care and adequate nutrition, all pot belly pigs have the potential to grow to between 100-200lbs.

We hope to welcome you to the Happy Trails Family!Happy Trails strives to ensure the best possible home for the rescued animals, all of whom have endured severe abuse and/or neglect to arrive at Happy Trails. Great efforts are made for every adoption to be successful for not only the animals but the adoptive family as well.